A mother-of-three from Co Armagh has died from injuries sustained in the same crash that claimed the life of her husband a week earlier.
Ciera Grimley passed away in hospital on Saturday, becoming the third person to die as a result of a four-vehicle collision near Markethill on November 4.
Patrick Grimley died at the scene of the horrific early morning crash on the Gosford Road.
The couple from Madden in Co Armagh, had been travelling home in a taxi minivan after celebrating Mr Grimley’s 40th birthday in Dundalk.
Their friend and neighbor, Ciara McElvanna (44), died in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Wednesday from her injuries sustained in the same incident.
The wife of an All-Ireland winning Gaelic footballer Kevin McElvanna, the funeral for the mother-of-four took place in Madden on Saturday morning.
Read more:
- Wife of All-Ireland winner is second person to die in Armagh road crash
- Armagh GAA man Patrick Grimley, who died following a four-car collision, to be buried in his home village on Wednesday
- 'Disturbing' rise in road deaths across island of Ireland
Originally from Lurgan, she had worked as a nurse and her husband had also been a consultant at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Just hours after her funeral, the chairman of the Madden Raparees GAA club, Paddy Woods, confirmed that Ciera Grimley had lost her life after spending seven days in intensive care.
“Ciera was a loving, caring and supportive wife to Patrick, and a devoted mummy to Tadhg, Mya and Cadhla,” he said.
It’s understood the eldest of the three children is aged just 13.
“Ciera along with Patrick, spent many evenings supporting their children in their many hobbies and activities,” continued Mr Woods.
“Their passion for the GAA seen them follow club and county throughout Ireland, creating precious memories in the process.”
Patrick Grimley was the Madden GAA club’s former secretary and was widely known in GAA circles for his role as a match commentator on Armagh TV.
St Patrick’s Primary School in Armagh, where Ciera Grimley previously worked, also paid tribute to the mother-of-three.
“Her kind nature and caring instincts were on show each and every day that she worked in our school, quickly establishing a strong bond with her colleagues and the pupils she was helping.
“Ciera was always able to find the right words to comfort children when they needed it, and to encourage growth and development in their learning and their play.
“Her love for helping and nurturing children was evident in her approach to her role in St Patrick’s, and Ciera left a lasting impression on those who worked closest with her.”
